1,515 Inmates and Wards Receive Remission and Sentence Reductions
On the occasion of Nyepi, the Balinese New Year in the Saka 1948 calendar, the Government through the Directorate General of Corrections (Ditjenpas) granted Special Nyepi Remission (RK) to 1,506 inmates and Special Nyepi Sentence Reduction (PMPK) to 9 Hindu child wards, to be received on the day of Nyepi, the Saka 1948 New Year (19/3). Of this number, 4 inmates will be immediately released after receiving RK II.
Director General of Corrections, Mashudi, along with Commission XIII DPR RI member Rieke Diah Pitaloka, Ditjenpas Jakarta Regional Head Heri Azhari, and Cipinang Detention Centre Head I Gusti Agus Cahyana Putra, directly presented remission to representatives of Hindu inmates receiving remission and sentence reductions, in a ceremony centred at the Class I Cipinang State Detention Centre (Rutan Cipinang), via an official statement, Jakarta, Wednesday (18/3).
Mashudi read out a written speech from the Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto. He stated that the granting of remission and sentence reductions on religious holidays is part of fulfilling the rights of inmates as well as an instrument of guidance in the corrections system. The inmates and child wards receiving remission have met the requirements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, Mashudi explained.
“Remission and sentence reductions are not merely a reduction in the period of serving the sentence, but a form of appreciation for inmates who demonstrate behavioural change, discipline, and sincerity in following guidance programmes,” he added.
He further noted that this policy is also in line with the spiritual values contained in the commemoration of Nyepi 2026, which carries the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family.” This theme emphasises the importance of harmony, tolerance, and shared responsibility in community life.
“The Nyepi moment should be an opportune time for self-introspection. I hope inmates can cultivate responsibility, not only to themselves but also to their families and society. Make this opportunity a turning point to improve oneself and not repeat past mistakes,” he added.
Director General of Corrections, Mashudi, explained that all inmates and child wards receiving remission or sentence reductions have undergone a verification process in accordance with administrative and substantive requirements.
“Recipients of remission and sentence reductions are those who behave well, actively participate in guidance programmes, and show positive development during their sentence,” Mashudi clarified.
Of the total 1,506 inmates receiving Nyepi RK, 1,502 received RK I in the form of partial sentence reduction, detailed as 326 people for 15 days, 947 people for 1 month, 179 people for 1 month and 15 days, and 50 people for 2 months. Meanwhile, 4 inmates received RK II and were immediately released after receiving remission. For child wards, 9 people received Nyepi PMPK, with 8 receiving a 15-day reduction and 1 receiving a 1-month reduction.
The largest number of Nyepi RK and PMPK recipients came from Bali with 1,090 people, followed by Central Kalimantan with 121 people and West Nusa Tenggara with 77 people.
In addition to being part of the guidance process, this policy also contributes to state budget efficiency. The granting of Nyepi RK and PMPK in 2026 saves inmate and child ward meal costs by Rp1,024,230,000.
Religious moments like Nyepi are expected to serve as a means of reflection for inmates to improve themselves, strengthen spiritual values, and prepare to play a positive role in society again.
Specifically for the Jakarta region, Heri Azhari mentioned that there are 7 inmates receiving Nyepi remission. Rieke also stated that the granting of remission is a form of guidance so that inmates are ready to return to society. She highlighted the fulfilment of social security guarantees for inmates.
“We will develop discussions on fulfilling inmates’ rights to become mandatory BPJS members, as we know the corrections budget is insufficient. We hope for regional government attention to facilitate the fulfilment of rights for underprivileged inmates to become BPJS members.”
On the same occasion, Dirjenpas Mashudi also provided social assistance to underprivileged communities and inaugurated the Guidance and Security Service Facilities at Class I Cipinang Detention Centre.
“This is our commitment to realise tangible implementation of detainee services, inmate guidance that synergises with conducive security at Cipinang Detention Centre,” stated Cipinang Detention Centre Head I Gusti.